The Kanagawa Festival 2024 officially launched today [November 16] in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. This annual cultural and artistic event is a collaboration between Kanagawa Prefecture (Japan) and Hanoi.

Delegates from Hanoi and Kanagawa cut the ribbon to launch the event. Photos: The Hanoi Times

In his welcome speech at the opening ceremony, Kuroiwa Yuji, Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, expressed his sincere gratitude to Hanoi authorities for their collaboration in organizing the event, allowing Kanagawa to showcase its culture.

Governor Kuroiwa described Kanagawa as a microcosm of Japan, featuring prominent urban centers like Yokohama, as well as picturesque rural areas, the renowned Shonan coastline, and majestic mountain ranges.

Kuroiwa added that over time, Kanagawa and Vietnam have fostered a strong and positive relationship, expecting the Kanagawa Festival 2024 in Hanoi to further promote cultural exchanges between the two regions and attract widespread public interest.

Delegates at the events.

Speaking at the event, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Council Phung Thi Hong Ha said that Vietnam-Japan relations are currently at their historical peak, marked by high mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation across numerous fields.

A significant milestone was reached in November 2023 when the two nations agreed to upgrade their relationship to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World."

Traditional art performances from Vietnam and Japan.

Building on this strong bilateral relationship, Hanoi has actively sought to strengthen ties with Japanese localities. The cooperation between Hanoi and its Japanese partners is not only of political and diplomatic significance but also deeply practical, reflecting shared development goals and mutual support in growth and development initiatives, said Ha.

She added that the Kanagawa Festival in Hanoi, first launched in 2018, has become a regular and well-loved event, symbolizing the strong friendship between Hanoi and Kanagawa. The 2024 festival holds particular importance as it follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2024 to establish a formal friendship and cooperation framework. This agreement paves the way for bilateral collaboration in various fields, including economics, investment, healthcare, tourism, arts, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, contributing to the socio-economic development of both localities.

Locals in Japanese Yukata dresses.

Ha expressed hope that the Kanagawa Festival in Hanoi would become a hallmark of cultural and community exchange, strengthening mutual understanding and fostering bilateral cooperation in the future.

The Kanagawa Festival 2024 in Hanoi, held on November 16 and 17, features a variety of highlights, including Yukata-wearing experiences (a traditional Japanese attire) and booths showcasing Kanagawa’s unique cultural and culinary products.